January 06th, 2016

How to start working out when you don't like to exercise.

You know who you are. As hard as you've tried, you've never liked going to the gym. Maybe you've even hired a personal trainer a few times, hoping the added expense and accountability would be enough motivation to turn you into a regular gym rat.

 BUT IT DIDN'T WORK!

Every time you've started an ambitious workout program with the goal of getting in shape, something–you’re not even sure what–cuts you short before you've reached your goal.

Deep down though, you know what the problem is: you don’t like working out. It’s hard, it’s uncomfortable, it’s sweaty and the weight room has a weird smell. You don’t like how you look in those stupid clothes, and who even has time for that sort of thing anyway?

But still you wonder about those people who are in the gym all the time. What’s their secret? How do they stay motivated day after day and year after year? Are they a different species? Or is there something they know that you don’t?

Few people on this earth were born with an innate love of the gym. But what generally separates people who like working out from those who don’t is pretty simple: fitness.

Working out is sucks when you aren't in shape. But the good news is that you don’t need to become a complete meathead to get to a place where exercise is no longer a pain. Just like learning to cook, once you reach a minimum proficiency level–in this case fitness level–exercise stops feeling bad and starts feeling good. It is just like with cooking, the only way to get there is to Just Do It (Dear Nike, please don’t sue me).

If you’re just starting a workout program your goal shouldn't be to get buff or lose weight. The first step is getting to a fitness level where you no longer hate to exercise. And for that all you need is consistency.

When you first start your program don’t force yourself to do anything too hard or unpleasant, just make sure that you stick with it and never quit. A friend mine hated running her entire life, so the first time she went jogging after years without any cardio training she told herself she would just run until she got tired. She literally made it about 4 blocks and went home. After a week or two she was up to 8 blocks. That was over 10 years ago and she’ has since completed three marathons. Running is no longer her goes-to sport, but she is now the fit person she’ has always wanted to be.

There’s no reason to torture you at the gym. Once you’re in better shape you will enjoy pushing yourself a little harder every now and then. But until you get there, just make yourself do something. It can be anything. Just do it regularly and don’t make excuses.

The key to being consistent is making your workout so easy/convenient/fun/awesome that not doing it just feels stupid. Here are a few tips to set you up for a lifetime of fitness.

10 TIPS FOR STARTING & STICKING WITH EXERCISE 

1. COMMIT CONSISTENCY
This is worth repeating. Make a commitment to sticking with your plan. If you find yourself not able to meet your goals, change them so they’re easier.
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2. TAKE BABY STEPS
I jogged around the block for years before I got lost one day, accidentally ran 8 miles and decided marathon training no longer seemed so ridiculous. Don’t expect to turn into Superman overnight. 

3. PICK AN EXERCISE THAT'S FUN  
Not all exercise happens in the gym. Do you like to climb rocks? Shoot hoops? Swing the bat? Start with the fun stuff and work your way up.

4. BRING A FRIEND, MAKE IT COMPETITIVE 
Having a workout partner is one of the most effective ways to be accountable and make your workout fun. Making it a competition is also great for motivation.

5. JOIN A SPORTS TEAM 
Even better than one friend, it is a group of friends. Intramural sports teams are a fantastic way to get a few weekly workouts.

6. GET INTO MUSIC
If your schedule isn't conducive to group activities, your iPHONE still got your back. Put together an inspiring workout mix, download some of your favorite musics and whistle while you work.

7. GET A DOG
You know what takes a lot of energy? Puppies! If you can’t motivate to exercise for yourself, at least do it for Fluff Fluff.

8. CAFFEINE CHARGE
Sometimes a long day can make an evening workout seem impossibly difficult. At times like these, caffeine is your friend. After about half an hour you’ll need to workout to burn off that extra energy.

9. GET SOME NICE WORKOUT CLOTHES, SHOES AND HEADPHONES
New toys are fun. Sometimes it’s the little things that help the most.

10. REWARD YOURSELF 
Doing something consistently is an accomplishment, even if your actual task seems small and insignificant. If you've been exercising regularly, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for many jobs well done.